Differences between Propylene Glycol, Vegetable Glycerin and Triethylene Glycol

2023-04-24T09:29:09-05:00

With the increase in demand for glycol for use in sanitizers, we thought it would be a good idea to put together a little information on what the difference is, what is used for what and what you need. There is a lot of misinformation floating around and it's important to listen to what the authorities are saying.

First off, if you are trying to purchase any of these and have questions, please contact us at 615-469-4906 to place your order, this will allow you to speak to a representative to assure you receive the proper chemicals. With the partial shutdown of Amazon, it is easier and costs no more to order through a rep or online at FroggysFog.com.

IMPORTANT

If you are going to attempt to make your own, please refer to the World Heath Organization's recommended formulations. We do not take any responsibility in what you do create, this is simply to help you understand the differences in glycols.

What is Glycerin?

Glycerin is a colorless, odorless, viscous liquid that is sweet-tasting and non-toxic. It is used in a lot more than you would think. It would be impossible to list them all, but it can be used as a sweetener to de-icing aircraft. That's pretty versatile!

But most notably, it holds things together as a carrying agent. This is one of the reasons it's so important in hand sanitizers. It holds everything together, but it also protects your hands! It holds moisture it keeps your hands from being sticky and keeps them from the alcohol from drying out your skin. Some formulations use aloe instead, the difference in glycol is pure and free of contaminants while retaining it's chemical structure.

Antimicrobial Properties

Due to having antimicrobial and antiviral properties it is widely used in FDA approved.

So what type of Glycerin do you need?

Propylene Glycol (PG): Propylene glycol is commonly used as a food additive. It helps preserve moisture as well as dissolve colors and flavors. It is also used in some medications, cosmetic products, antifreeze and other industrial products

Vegetable Glycerin (VG): Vegetable glycerin is a natural emollient that adds a cooling effect on the skin and has become a predominant ingredient in most skin care products and soaps. It is used in cosmetics and body care products to assist in retaining moisture and is helpful in pulling oxygen into the skin. Vegetable glycerin is also the principal medium for the manufacturing of non-alcohol based herbal extracts, which are called glycerites. This makes for a sweet alcohol free extract that can be easily administered to children, animals and those with alcohol sensitivities.

Kosher certified and suitable for food and cosmetic use. 100% Pure Versatile Skin Care Softens Moisturizes Multi-Purpose Condition: Rough skin, simple cosmetic applications. Pure Vegetable Glycerine is an outstanding moisturizer and skin cleanser that also provides softening and lubricating benefits. It's hypoallergenic and easily soluble in water, making it suitable for use in all of your favorite cosmetic applications. 100% Pure Vegetable Glycerine has a long shelf life and does not easily oxidize. It is an all-natural product derived from Non-GMO palm oil or vegetable oil. Because it is soluble in both water and alcohol, it is used as an agent in cosmetics, toothpaste, shampoos, soaps, herbal remedies, pharmaceuticals, and other household items.

Triethylene Glycol (TEG): TEG is a colorless, viscous liquid with a slight odor. It is non-flammable and considered non-hazardous. TEG is a member of a homologous series of dihydroxy alcohols. It is used as a plasticizer for vinyl polymers as well as in the manufacture of air sanitizer and other consumer products.

TEG is a relatively mild disinfectant toward a variety of bacteria, influenza A viruses and spores of Penicillium notatum fungi. However, its exceptionally low toxicity, broad materials compatibility, and low odor combined with its antimicrobial properties indicates that it approaches the ideal for air disinfection purposes in occupied spaces. Much of the scientific work with triethylene glycol was done in the 1940s and 1950s, however that work has ably demonstrated the antimicrobial activity against airborne, solution suspension, and surface bound microbes. The ability of triethylene glycol to inactivate Streptococcus pneumonia (original citation: pneumococcus Type I), Streptococcus pyogenes (original citation: Beta hemolytic streptococcus group A) and Influenza A virus in the air was first reported in 1943.

Our Blog

Differences between Propylene Glycol, Vegetable Glycerin and Triethylene Glycol